The Commission Against Domestic Violence has held a seminar with the theme The Impact of Domestic Violence on your Business for employers, in order to point out to owners, directors and managers how domestic violence can affect their business and employees at their workplace. The seminar was organised as part of a project entitled Dignity for Domestic Violence Survivors, and was co-financed by the European Social Fund.  

“The need to further educate employers, directors and managers on domestic violence in Malta is very high,” said Renee Laviera, an expert on the subject. She referred to studies carried out on the prevalence of domestic violence in Malta, explained the impact that domestic violence could have on employment and gave practical advice regarding to where employers should turn when seeking support. Ms Maronia Avellino elaborated on the support services and programmes offered by the ETC to employers when recruiting such people.

The seminar gave employers the opportunity to make a commitment to a workplace policy regarding domestic violence, inviting them to provide a work environment that is free from violence or threats of violence against individuals. Through this policy, employees would be encouraged to conduct themselves in a non-violent and non-physically threatening or intimidating manner. Additionally, they would also be encouraged to be alert to, and inform appropriate management personnel of, any behaviour that they believe in good faith violates, or could constitute a violation of, the policy.

Chairwoman of the Commission Against Domestic Violence Joanna Xuereb spoke at the conclusion of the seminar. Stressing the importance of offering employment to the survivors of domestic violence, Mrs Xuereb thanked all those who worked to support victims and urged all professionals to cooperate with each other so that the services offered will continue to improve.